Death Toll in Kampala Landslide Rises to 34 as Rescue Operations Continue

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Death Toll in Kampala Landslide Rises to 34 as Rescue Operations Continue

Loveworld / 56 mins

August 17, 2024

1 min read

In Uganda, the death toll from the collapse of the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala has risen to 34, following a catastrophic landslide triggered by heavy rains. The disaster, which occurred on Saturday, August 9, buried many homes and residents in the impoverished Kiteezi neighborhood under a massive pile of waste.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are still searching for 35 people who remain missing. The Kiteezi landfill, situated on a steep slope in a densely populated area, has long been a site of concern due to its precarious location. Many residents, including women and children who scavenge for plastic waste, lived in close proximity to the landfill.
For years, Kampala authorities have considered relocating the waste disposal site to a larger area outside the city. However, plans to close the Kiteezi site and establish a new disposal location have faced delays since being proposed in 2016.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has ordered an investigation into the incident to determine the causes and prevent future occurrences.